160 determined mountain bikers set off to tackle the ‘Black Peak’ this year in the annual climb from Boyana to the peak of Vitosha mountain
In spite of forecasts for minus temperatures 160 determined mountain bikers set off to tackle the ‘Black Peak’ this year in the annual climb from Boyana to the top of Vitosha mountain.
The overall winner this year was Todor Angelov with a time of 2:52:32. Last year Angelov cam second with a time of 2:33:57. Second this year was Boiko Tanchev with a time of 3:07:32 and in third place Vassil Vassilev 3:07:54.
Hristina Kozareva was the only woman to finish the race this year with a time of 4:40:32 compared to five who finished last year.
Conditions really were rather unseasonal, with a liberal covering of snow at the peak and plenty of mud in between. For the hardened riders this was less a problem than a cause for celebration but there were first-timers who were shocked by the difficulty of the course combined with snow and mud.
For the tenth anniversary the organisers from DRAG had laid on a free barbecue and hot tea, which came as a welcome for the wet and cold competitors. This year’s medals were hand-made cookies by Neshto Vkusno and water was provided by Pirin Spring.
Special commemorative plaques were presented to Emil Shukadarov and Plamen Penev who gave the original idea for the race and who have helped to organise every one of the 10 editions of the race.
All those who finished received a jersey thanks to the generous support of general sponsor Sopharma AD and Bulgarian sports clothing manufacture Doltcini.